Next generation: Coral’s 20 young strikers who can break into ‘world class’ category

With the likes of Sergio Aguero, Diego Costa, Luis Suarez and Karim Benzema firmly established as top-class strikers, and then Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar in a league of their own; able to operate anywhere across the front line, Coral take a look at 20 young strikers that could step up and become the best one day.

Paulo Dybala
Palermo’s forward has been constantly linked with a move to top clubs around Europe and represents the future for Argentina. With Juventus closing in on the 21-year-old, he can become on of the best in the world.

Mauro Icardi
With Inter Milan failing to qualify for the Champions League, their Argentine hotshot is likely to be in demand this summer. Also a Juventus target, Chelsea and Manchester United are said to be interested, with the Blues reportedly having already lodged a £22m for the 22-year-old.

Alexandre Lacazette
The Lyon forward is apparently linked with Arsenal and Manchester City, having dispatched 31 goals in 40 appearances for the club this term. He is also being touted as a potential heir to Gunners legend Thierry Henry, who is arguably one of the Premier League’s best ever strikers.

Antoine Griezmann
Another Frenchman, who has a huge amount of potential. Following his move to Atletico Madrid last summer, he has gone from strength to strength, and the 24-year-old has been linked to Chelsea, who are 13/8 with Coral to retain the Premier League next term.

Domenico Berardi
This 20-year-old has a huge future, and is a natural goal-scorer. Unlikely to stay at Sassuolo for much longer, the Italian has been linked with Juventus. Having scored a hat-trick in his team’s 3-2 win over AC Milan recently, he is hot property.

Paco Alcacer
Valencia’s 21-year-old talent is one of a number of young Spanish strikers and has been in top form this season. A key part of a promising rebuild at Los Che, with their new billionaire owner Peter Lim, Paco is certainly one to watch.

Divock Origi
Acquired by Liverpool last summer, the Belgian frontman impressed at the World Cup last year, and has had a promising season on loan at Lille. The Reds should definitely take a gamble on him next term, with the 20-year-old possessing all the qualities to become a top striker.

Juanmi
Malaga’s 22-year-old forward earned a first call-up to the Spain national team this season, after impressing in La Liga. Definitely one to watch, with a number of Premier League outfits keeping tabs on him.

Harry Kane
Fans will hope that this season hasn’t been a fluke, and should he replicate his form every season, he can become one of England’s best centre forwards. At only 21, if he fires in another 20 Premier League clubs next term, a move may beckon to a top club.

Luciano Vietto
Having drawn comparisons to Luis Suarez, Villarreal’s talented Argentine striker has all the qualities to become top class. A natural finisher, he is also blessed with pace, and at only 21 has a promising future. Liverpool were linked earlier in the campaign, however, Barcelona is said to be Vietto’s preferred choice.

Superb off-the-ball, and on it even, as you’ll see below this boy is a serious prospect.

Saido Berahino
If he can become more consistent, West Brom’s 21-year-old striker has all the attributes to be a top player. Pace to burn, and a great eye for goal, he could well make the step up next season to a club in the Europa League.

Jhon Cordoba
Granada’s Colombian forward his a raw talent, and can learn from the likes of elder compatriots Carlos Bacca and Jackson Martinez, who have been prolific for their clubs. Currently at Granada in La Liga, the 22-year-old could well make the step up soon.

Arkadiusz Milik
Poland could well have two world class forwards soon enough. The Ajax striker has dispatched 23 goals in 34 appearances this term and the 21-year-old can easily play for a top club. If he can establish an effective partnership with Robert Lewandowski, his national team could be serious challengers over the next few years.

Gabriel Barbosa
Said to be Brazil’s ‘next Neymar’, the 18-year-old Santos forward has previously been linked to Chelsea and Real Madrid. However, AC Milan could also join the race for the hotshot, after cancelling compatriot Robinho’s contract.

Barcelona may well be the best destination for him, however, with the Catalan club having a good reputation for developing talented South American players.

Aleksandr Mitrovic
Anderlecht’s Serbian striker has hit 25 goals in 47 appearances this term for his club, and has the potential to be class, though would need a move to a top club. At only 20, he has years ahead of him to develop, and traditionally, Serbian players have done well in the Premier League.

Anderson Talisca
Benfica’s up-and-coming Brazilian is steadily improving, though would need to increase his goal return if he is to secure a move to a bigger club. Definitely the future of the Portuguese outfit for the foreseeable, and more experience in continental competition next term will stand the 21-year-old in good stead.

Aleksandr Kokorin
Said to be the ‘golden boy’ of Russian football, the 24-year-old needs to start focusing more on his football and less on media attention. There is no doubting his goal-scoring ability and if he can become more consistent, a move to a bigger club could definitely be on the cards.

Anthony Martial
A prodigious prospect who has really impressed at Monaco this season. Radamel Falcao’s departure to Manchester United on loan, has allowed the Frenchman to step up and the 19-year-old hasn’t disappointed. Although still quite raw, he is certainly one to watch if he doesn’t allow any media attention to get the better of him.

Munir El Haddadi
Brought through by Luis Enrique this season, the 19-year-old Spaniard is being hailed as Barcelona’s ‘next Messi’, for his close ball control and unpredictability. Definitely a big part of the club’s future, and could feature in the Champions League final, with the the Spanish outfit odds-on at 4/11 to beat Juventus.

Manolo Gabbiadini
Another young Italian striker who has stepped up this season. Napoli shouldn’t be too worried if Gonzalo Higuain leaves, as this 23-year-old talent has a real eye for goal, and has scored 20 goals in 43 appearances this term across all competitions.